iPhone 11 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Unlocked

iPhone 11 • Unlocked
iPhone 11 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$158.00

Versus $499.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022) • Unlocked
iPhone SE (2022) • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$123.00

Versus $429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent different approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on Apple's iOS ecosystem, they cater to distinct user preferences through variations in design, processing power, and camera capabilities. The iPhone SE 2022 offers a more compact form factor with a newer, more powerful internal processor, whereas the iPhone 11 provides a larger display and a more versatile camera system.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, launched with iOS 13 and is expected to receive iOS updates until at least iOS 26 in September 2025. The iPhone SE 2022, released in March 2022, started with iOS 15 and is anticipated to receive software support for a longer duration, potentially until 2028 or 2030, due to its newer processor and later release date.
  • Repairability and Durability: The iPhone 11 has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, and received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit. The iPhone SE 2022 features an IP67 rating, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and has a repairability score of around 5.5 or 6 out of 10, with some components being easily replaceable. Both devices feature glass front and back panels with aluminum frames, offering a similar level of material durability.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support will find the iPhone SE 2022 more suitable due to its more recent launch and newer processor. However, both devices are built to last and receive consistent security updates, extending their usability beyond major iOS version support.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2022 differs primarily due to their internal processing units, impacting overall speed and efficiency.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a significantly newer and more powerful processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications and multitasking with greater responsiveness and efficiency. The iPhone 11, while still capable for everyday tasks, features an older generation processor.
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: For users who frequently engage in intensive gaming, video editing, or run multiple complex applications simultaneously, the iPhone SE 2022 offers a smoother and more fluid experience. Both devices come with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical multitasking, but the SE 2022's processor provides more headroom for future software demands.
  • Battery Behavior: Despite its newer, more efficient processor, the iPhone SE 2022 generally offers shorter battery life compared to the iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 has a larger battery capacity, providing up to 17 hours of video playback, while the iPhone SE 2022 offers up to 15 hours. This difference means the iPhone 11 may last longer on a single charge for heavy users.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2022 presents a clear distinction in size and design, while sharing some core display technologies.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Liquid Retina IPS LCD displays with a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (ppi), offering clear visuals for general use. They also include True Tone technology for automatic white balance adjustment and wide color (P3) support for accurate color reproduction.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 11 boasts a larger 6.1-inch display with a more modern, edge-to-edge design, providing an expansive viewing area for media consumption and browsing. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 features a more compact 4.7-inch display with traditional bezels and a home button, appealing to users who prefer a smaller device for one-handed use.
  • Brightness Levels: Both models offer a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, ensuring adequate visibility in various lighting conditions, though direct sunlight might challenge readability on either device.

Resolution

828 x 1792

750 x 1334

Screen type

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2022 offer different capabilities, influencing the types of photos and videos users can capture.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, providing greater versatility for capturing different perspectives. It also includes Night mode for improved low-light photography and Deep Fusion for enhanced detail. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP wide rear camera. While it benefits from the newer processor's image processing capabilities like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, it lacks an ultrawide lens and Night mode.
  • Front Camera and Video Quality: The iPhone 11 is equipped with a 12MP front camera, capable of recording 4K video. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front camera. Both devices can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with optical image stabilization on their main rear cameras, offering sharp and stable video footage.
  • Audio Experience: Both models provide stereo speaker output, delivering a balanced audio experience for media consumption. Microphone quality is generally clear for calls and video recording on both devices.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2022, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Options: A significant difference lies in cellular connectivity. The iPhone SE 2022 supports 5G networks, offering faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. The iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for robust wireless connections.
  • Biometrics and Ports: The iPhone 11 utilizes Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking, relying on facial recognition. The iPhone SE 2022 features Touch ID, integrated into its physical home button, for fingerprint-based authentication. Both models exclusively use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 11 is larger and heavier, measuring 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm and weighing 194 grams. The iPhone SE 2022 is more compact and lighter at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and 144 grams, making it easier for one-handed operation and pocketability. Both are constructed with glass front and back panels and an aluminum frame.

Weight

7 oz

3 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

4.7

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The choice between the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2022 ultimately depends on individual priorities and usage patterns. Users frequently praise the iPhone 11 for its larger display, versatile dual-camera system, and generally longer battery life, making it a strong contender for those who consume a lot of media or prioritize photography.

Conversely, the iPhone SE 2022 is often lauded for its compact size, the inclusion of a significantly more powerful and current-generation processor, and 5G connectivity. Its classic design with Touch ID also appeals to users who prefer a physical home button. Criticisms for the iPhone SE 2022 often revolve around its dated design with thick bezels, smaller screen, and the absence of an ultrawide camera or Night mode. The iPhone 11, while offering a larger screen and more camera options, is sometimes noted for its lack of 5G and an older processor compared to newer models.

Users prioritizing a modern, powerful processor for demanding applications and future-proofing with 5G, along with a compact form factor, may find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a larger screen for media, a more versatile camera setup with an ultrawide lens and Night mode, and extended battery life for all-day use might lean towards the iPhone 11. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons